MCRP 12-10B.1, page 328

d. Target identification becomes more difficult in limited-visibility conditions. Depending on the training of the individual, the Marine may fire at anything seen or may hesitate too long before firing. Improper target identification is one of the leading causes of fratricide, so leaders must pay close attention to individual target engagement. 3. Fratricide Avoidance. The risk of fratricide is much greater during periods of limited visibility. The key to avoiding fratricide is increased situational awareness by leaders and individuals, coupled with realistic training in target identification. (See Fratricide: Reducing Self-Inflicted Losses, Newsletter, No. 92-4, April 92, Center for Army Lessons Learned, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.) Other considerations include: a. Graphic control measures should be clearly defined and obvious. Examples include distinctive buildings, large boulevards, rivers, and so forth. b. Leaders must exercise firm control when engaging targets. Movements should also be coordinated and controlled. c. Cleared rooms and buildings should be distinctly marked to identify cleared areas and friendly forces to base-of-fire elements supporting the maneuver. d. Visible markers (for example, glint tape or thermal strips) should be attached to individual Marines for rapid identification. e. Far and near recognition symbols should be coordinated and used properly. f. Units employing close air support must exercise firm control. Failure to do so may lead to the pilot becoming disoriented and engaging friend and foe alike. 4. Urban Environmental Effects on Night Vision Devices. Built-up areas affect standard night vision devices and sights differently than do open areas. This may cause some confusion because the images Marines receive through their night vision devices are unusual compared to those they may be used to. a. Most built-up areas have electric power; therefore, street lights and/or building lights may “white out” some light intensification devices unless the power is disrupted or lights are turned off. b. Fires may be burning in the urban area. Open flames cause problems not only for light intensification devices, but also for thermal devices. c. Subterranean areas and the interiors of buildings will not have ambient light if the power is off. Passive night vision devices must then use an artificial light source, such as infrared radiation, to provide enough ambient light for the devices to work effectively. H - 2 MCWP 3-35 .3